Bitesize Prediction: Operario vs Ituano – 16/08/24

Competition: Brazil Serie B

Market: Operario win

Odds: 3/5 @ Pribet

Hoping to make up some ground in the promotion chase, Operario will welcome Ituano to the Germano Kruger in the early hours of Friday.

Starting with the hosts, crashing back down to earth last week as they slumped to a 1-0 loss away at Avai, Operario will be seeking an immediate response here. While Rafael Guanaes’ men might have only made their Serie B return this season, the Parana-based outfit have continued to shine among Brazil’s second-tier and they remarkably find themselves within touching distance of the promotion spots. Opening July with a deserved 2-0 victory against CRB, the former Tombense boss will be excited by side’s extended success on home soil. In fact, along with mustering seven points from their last three Serie B showdowns in front of their own supporters, Operario have also lost just one of their 10 second-tier appearances at the Germano Kruger. It should also be noted, along with not conceding a single goal on home soil in over 270 minutes of action, Friday’s hosts have also shipped just a sole strike in Parana since back on May 11th.

As for the visitors, managing to make a crucial return to winning ways last weekend as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Chapecoense, Ituano will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, still at the heart of a Serie B relegation scrap and currently sat six points adrift of second-tier safety, Alberto Valentim’s side are desperately seeking some much-needed stability. Winning just a pair of their previous 13 consecutive Serie B appearances – a run that stems all the way back to May 26th – Friday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Amazonas, Ituano have lost all of their last four showdowns away from the Novelli Junior by an aggregate score of 8-2. Likewise, Valentim’s men have collected just a single point on their travels so far this season.

Bet: Operario 3/5 to beat Ituano in Friday’s Brazil Serie B battle @ Pribet